Monday, 24 November 2014

Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Hotel, Malaysia

Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Hotel, Malaysia

Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur

Often thought as an excellent choice as a business hotel,
the Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur surprises us with some deals and services
that also position the property as a fine option for leisure travellers or a
staycation.

Reception

Location

On the edge of the Golden Triangle, Sheraton Imperial Kuala
Lumpur is ideally located for business and pleasure. The monorail stop is less
than five minutes walk away and the brand new shopping centre, Quill City Mall,
is directly across the road. The nightlife and party district of Heritage Row runs up one
side of the hotel, with many entertainment facilities, housed in pre-war shop
houses, open until all hours of the morning. Masjid India, where fabrics,
markets and an endless array of local food can be savoured, is only a few
blocks away. All of this is within walking distance of the hotel.

Only a few minutes further afield by taxi, on the LRT or via
monorail, are the rest of the sights that Kuala Lumpur is known for such as the
KL Tower, Petronas Towers, Chinatown, Brickfields (Little India), the
restaurant and bar strip of Changkat Bukit Bintang, and numerous and enormous
shopping malls.

Engaging the hotel for a weekend staycation however, might
see you never leaving the property, as the food and beverage outlets,
entertainment options and facilities furnish more than enough to occupy a few
days. Many guests find the prices here too of good value especially compared
with other 5 star hotels in the city centre. Those with a Starwood Preferred
Guest card (free membership) are often delighted with various promotions
providing discounts ranging from 15 – 50% off meals and activities.

Lobby and Link@Sheraton

Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Hotel

Facilities

Sheraton Club Lounge

Club Rooms and Suites come with access to the Sheraton Club
Lounge where breakfast, cocktails and beverages are served over different
periods of the day. Located on the top floor it offers splendid views of the
city and in particular, a postcard perfect vista of the KL Tower and lush
verdant base.

Sheraton Club Lounge - our favourite table

Sheraton Club Lounge

The morning offerings are a light mix of continental and
local options with eggs made to order. During the day, hot and cold
non-alcoholic beverages are served with a few small snacks such as biscuits and
nuts. The evening cocktail runs for a generous two and a half hours and serves
a free flow of wine, beer and bottom shelf spirits accompanied by a spread of
finger foods of both Asian and Western inspiration. If you’ve been out on a
culinary tour of Malaysia’s local street food scene during the day, you might
find it’s all you need to end the day very pleasantly.

Fitness and Relaxation

The lagoon shaped swimming pool on level five is shaded by
umbrellas and lush tropical vegetation. Fountains spurt into the pool at one
end and the KL Tower ascends above the resort-feel space reminding guests that
they really are still in the city centre. Light refreshments and sun-lounger service
is supplied by the poolside bar.

Pool

Pool Bar

The gymnasium is of good size with all the equipment we need
to get in a solid workout. Cardio machines by Technogym include steppers, cross
trainers, bikes and treadmills. A variety of free weights and strength
machines, along with mats, balls and a dedicated stretching area, round out our
training sessions. TV screens (controlled by separate remote controls – none of
those annoying touch screen devices that never seem to react to my touch) were
in good functioning condition as were the headphones, which seems to be the
exception not the rule in many of the “5 star” hotels we’ve written about in
Asia. The area is paved with light gym flooring, and that combined with a wall
length window and mirrors gift the gym a bright cheery feel.

Gymnasium

Relaxation facilities shared with the spa are in top
condition. Lockers, showers, a steam room, Jacuzzi and lounges make for an
overall rejuvenating experience.

Claimed to be the most relaxing massage on the menu, the
Balinese Massage (RM195 – 50 minutes) sounds like just what we need after a
long purposeful week of work. Using 100% pure essential oils our bodies are
stretched and pounded with long strokes from the palm of the hand and thumbs.
Our therapists dig deep into our tight muscles and manage to work out knots and
relieve tension.

Couple's Treatment Room Mandara Spa

Afterwards we rinse off the extra oil in the outdoor shower.
Surrounded by greenery it’s hard to believe we’re in the heart of Malaysia’s
capital. In inclement weather there’s an indoor facility too, but we take
advantage of the sun and rare blue sky and luxuriate in the chance to bath al
fresco.

Food and Beverage

Villa Danieli

When we first arrived to Kuala Lumpur over a decade ago,
Villa Danieli was the name whispered by expat friends as the best Italian
restaurant in the city. While the kitchen has seen some magnificent chefs come
and go, the permanent local staff here seem to have such a passion for cooking
and service that Villa Danieli has managed to maintain a consistently strong
reputation this whole time.

Design transports you to the rolling hills of countryside
Florence. Mimicking a spacious Tuscan villa, walls are painted with frescoes, high
arches draw the eyes toward tall ceilings, and the flames of a wood-fired oven
toast the edges of their contents sending saliva-inducing aromas to the noses
of diners. We’ve enjoyed more than our fair share of wine-paired dinners here
and they have certainly been some of the highlights of our culinary adventures
in Kuala Lumpur. Follow this link to find a recent food and grape matching experienceat Villa Danieli.

Villa Danieli

Pavilions Lounge

Pavilions Lounge occupies a grand area. It’s hard not to
feel regal in such a majestic space. Towering ceilings, winding striking
staircases and soft lounge chairs upholstered in royal blues and purples set
the stage for a refined afternoon or evening of cultivated conversation and
supping. It’s a fine spot to sip on a Wine of the World, or TWG Tea and listen
to the cascading water feature or elegant live music.

Pavilions Lounge

Essence

Essence is the Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur’s all day
dining venue. A fiery red and orange mosaic backs the open kitchens, and a
glass roof lets in natural light. The vibrant design joins forces with colourful
displays of food forming an overall cheerful climate. Serving breakfast, lunch
and dinner buffet style, and in between a la carte options, the food exiting
the kitchen here hails from around the world. Regularly changing internationally
themed menus, festive season promotions and some great deals such as free flow
wine for an additional RM50++ keep guests returning.

Essence

Celestial Court

The chef at Celestial Court has achieved near celebrity
status in the taste buds of KL-ites who love dim sum. Shaping beautiful edible
artworks, Chef Ken has enchanted many a fusser eater over the years. A real
treat is the weekend All You Can Eat Dim Sum offer. Over 70 delicacies are up
for the sampling - read about the latest deal here.

Celestial Court

Rooms

Deluxe Rooms make up well over 200 of the 385 rooms
available at the Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur. All have floor to ceiling
windows, which open up to views of the city’s skyline, and compose a standard
42 square metres of space. A palette of orange and pale olive green washes the
décor with hues reminiscent of those found in traditional Thai design. Solid
wooden furnishings and warm glowing lamps add character and an impression of long-lasting
quality. Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Beds, lavish Indian silk linens, big soft
pillows and black out curtains, provision all rooms with excellent conditions
for a sound night’s sleep.

Fruit Bowl and Welcome Treats

Bathroom in Deluxe Suite

Bathroom Sheraton Suite

A step up are the Deluxe Suites, which are decked out with
thoughtful consideration of the business traveller in mind. An expanded space
and state-of-the-art technology facilitate a comfortable work environment. This
combined with access to the Sheraton Club Lounge makes it easy to arrange
meetings, or work from the desk and amenities in room. Club and Suite rooms
come with complimentary high speed Internet. WiFi however is available in all
common areas throughout the hotel, and the Link@Sheraton provides business
facilities and computer stations for those who prefer to travel light.

Love This Bed!

Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Deluxe Suite

For those wanting an opulence of space, the Ambassador Suite
and Imperial Suite cover 168 and 336 square metres respectively. With the
increased price comes augmented elegance and luxuriousness in fittings.
Kitchenettes, dining rooms, high-end entertainment systems and a magnificent
Jacuzzi (in the Imperial Suite) make for a rather lavish stay.

There are some great weekend deals for those looking for a
staycation, including attractive offers for families with children, and fun entertainment packages – such as
children under the age of 12 dining for free at Essence, complimentary parking, tickets to Mama Mia and a host of other benefits. Check out the current Best
Deals here.

Reasons to visit:
excellent hotel for business and leisure within the Golden Triangle, great spa
facilities, the lovely Italian restaurant Villa Danieli, yummy dim sum at
Celestial Court.